Use your browser's BACK button to return to your page of origin.
Pregnancy outcomes following systemic prenatal acyclovir exposure: Conclusions from the international acyclovir pregnancy registry, 1984-1999.
Birth Defects Research (Part A): Clinical and Molecular Teratology 2004;70:201-207.
Stone KM, Reiff-Eldridge R, White AD, Cordero JF, Brown Z, Alexander ER, Andrews EB.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Oral acyclovir is commonly used for genital herpes and other herpesvirus
infections. Data on potential fetal risk are extremely limited. From 1984
to 1998, the Acyclovir in Pregnancy Registry monitored birth outcomes of
women exposed to oral or intravenous acyclovir during pregnancy. This report
describes the final results. METHODS: The registry was publicized to health
care providers most likely to diagnose pregnancy; providers called the registry
telephone number, then mailed in a brief questionnaire. Pregnancy outcomes
were categorized either as outcomes with birth defects or outcomes without
birth defects, subcategorized as live births, spontaneous pregnancy losses
(including stillbirths), and induced abortions. Birth defects were defined
using a modification of the CDC definition for birth defects surveillance
systems. Observed rates were compared to the rate (3.2%) of birth defects
expected in the general population. RESULTS: Between June 1, 1984 and June
30, 1998, 1695 pregnancies exposed to oral or IV acyclovir were registered;
461 (27%) were lost to follow-up. A total of 1234 pregnancies in 24 countries
were followed, with a total of 1246 outcomes. Among 1246 pregnancy outcomes,
756 involved acyclovir exposure in the first trimester, 197 in the second
trimester, and 291 in the third trimester. Among live births with first trimester
acyclovir exposure, risk of birth defects was 19 of 596 (3.2%; 95% CI, 2.0-5.0%).
No unusual defects or pattern of defects were apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The
observed rates and types of birth defects for pregnancies exposed to acyclovir
did not differ significantly from those in the general population. Birth
Defects Research (Part A), 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.